Whether it is a link to our past, our family, our friends, or our colleagues, everyone benefits from linking to the world around them. Connecting with others empowers us and makes unlikely things seem possible. Once upon a time, it was only the skilled conversationalist that could effortlessly make invisible connections visible. Today you don’t have to be a curious networker to spot subtle or special social common denominators. Web 2.0 has changed the networking landscape by doing the heavy lifting. Social networking sites like LinkedIn quickly and easily identify the path of least resistance. As the web is populated with more and more information, living in a major city quickly feels like living in a small village. Influencing those beyond our immediate reach is no longer reserved for the Paul Revere’s of the world. In fact, when you are a linked individual you are efficient, effective, and enlightened.

Guest blogged here:

A colleague on LinkedIn recently asked what others have been thinking – why does she join so many groups? The answer is simple. I am a Joiner. It’s not as bad as it sounds and if there was a support group, I’d probably join. Since childhood, I have always belonged to more than one group (i.e. club, sport, activity, and/or organization) at any given time. My social tendencies stem from a genuine love of people and conversation. The good news is Joiners are natural connectors because they have access to an abundance of people and ideas. As social butterflies, we like spreading information. Therefore, we also like to include people because no one wants to feel like the last kid standing on the blacktop as teams are picked.

Joining groups on LinkedIn allows me to correspond with people whom I share a social common denominator while still maintaining the privacy of my first level connections. People in the groups I join are like pen pals. I can correspond when I have something to say but they remain just outside my daily life. Some groups are active with blogs, websites, and frequent conversation. Other groups are nothing more than a catalog of contacts.

Recently, I have been jumping into groups to monitor and observe them for my clients. Strategic uses of groups can be alumni, target audiences, brand loyalty, membership organizations, social/political causes, and industry groups. Groups can be inclusive or exclusive. If you start the actual group, you have the added benefit of owning the database of email addresses. A client retained me to start a group and the idea was sticky enough that it went viral. In six weeks, there were over 1,000 members in 26 countries. Apparently, there are a lot of other Joiners to be found on LinkedIn.

What are you opinions on groups on LinkedIn, do you join ’em, beat ‘em, or ignore ‘em?

Score a point for each question answered “YES!”

Is it time to get organized and use business plans in lieu of random acts of marketing? _____

Will you lose your competitive edge because you are afraid to learn both the art and science of online social networking? _____

Is your marketing department stretched too thin or are you in need of a fresh creative spark? _____

Are you ready to partner with an outside consultant to educate your attorneys about developing a book of business? _____

Can you identify areas for improvement, yet fall short in creating the lasting changes needed to show results? _____

Is your brand nonexistent? _____

Are you ready to tap into the power of competitive intelligence? _____

Was the last time you spoke to your target audience or saw your name in print prior to the advent of the Internet? _____

Was your firm resistant and unreceptive to your expensive new CRM system and now you need a database champion to recoup your investment? _____

10 = It’s urgent, can we speak today?
7-9 = Time to adapt; when can we schedule a meeting?
4-6 = The status quo has been great but the times they are a’changing. Please tell me more.
2-4 = We might need an extra hand soon; we’ll keep your information on file.
0-1 = Services not required at this juncture and we’ll let others know about your capabilities.